The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

PROVERBS 13:14KJV
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Proverbs 13:14 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 13:14 mean?

Proverbs 13:14 says that the instruction or teaching from a wise person is like a life-giving spring, helping people avoid traps that lead to ruin or death. The verse highlights how wisdom can protect and guide someone away from dangerous or destructive choices.

In the book of Proverbs, King Solomon is speaking to his son and, more broadly, to anyone seeking understanding. The verse uses the image of a "fountain of life" to show that wise teaching is not just helpful advice but something that refreshes and sustains. The warning about "the snares of death" points to real dangers in life that wisdom helps people avoid.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 13:14

  • The word "law" here is תּוֹרָה (torah), which often means teaching or instruction, not just legal rules. This shows the verse is about practical guidance for living well.
  • "Fountain" is מָקוֹר (maqor), meaning a spring or source of water. In ancient Israel, a spring was precious and life-sustaining, so this image stresses how valuable wise instruction is.
  • "Snares" comes from מוֹקֵשׁ (moqesh), which means traps or pitfalls. This word suggests that dangers in life can be hidden and unexpected, making wisdom even more important for safety.

Why Proverbs 13:14 matters

  • Proverbs 13:14 clarifies that wisdom is not just about knowing facts but about receiving guidance that truly preserves life and well-being.
  • The verse emphasizes that there are real dangers ("snares of death") in daily life, and wisdom is portrayed as a practical way to avoid them, not just as an abstract ideal.
  • This proverb fits into a larger theme in Proverbs, where wisdom is consistently described as life-giving and protective, encouraging readers to value and seek out wise teaching.

Where else these words appear

“fountain” Hebrew H4726 · used in 17 verses

  • Leviticus 12:7 Who shall offer it before the LORD, and make an atonement for her; and she shall be cleansed from the issue of her blood. This is the law for her that hath born a male or a female.
  • Proverbs 10:11 The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
  • Jeremiah 2:13 For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.

“snares” Hebrew H4170 · used in 27 verses

  • Exodus 10:7 And Pharaoh's servants said unto him, How long shall this man be a snare unto us? let the men go, that they may serve the LORD their God: knowest thou not yet that Egypt is destroyed?
  • 2 Samuel 22:6 The sorrows of hell compassed me about; the snares of death prevented me;
  • Proverbs 12:13 The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.

“wise” Hebrew H2450 · used in 133 verses

  • Genesis 41:8 And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.
  • Proverbs 3:7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
  • Ecclesiastes 2:16 For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool.